BELMONT — Residents are being warned that the construction projects coming to the village in the coming days may cause some temporary traffic and water changes.
The Belmont Village revitalization project begins Monday, though trucks and equipment may be arriving this weekend, town officials said. The project, which has been years in planning, is designed to revitalize and beautify the historic village while making needed upgrades to the town's infrastructure.
Among the changes will be extensive repairs and pipe replacements will be made to the existing municipal water and sewer lines a reconfiguration of Mill and Center streets, expanded and enhanced parking downtown, extensions of sidewalks and many other projects.
Busby Construction of Atkinson was recently awarded contract for the construction with a $1.3 million bid, with some of those funds to be paid for with grants.
The total cost of the revitalization is not yet known, as the town will be voting on one component of the plan, the closure of a portion of Mill Street the purchase of the former Northway Bank Building for town offices and other uses, at a special town meeting on Aug. 21.
The timeline of the project is also still being developed, and the town has announced a public meeting on Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. in the Corner Meeting House for residents with questions and concerns about the upcoming construction schedule.
A Busby construction trailer and traffic construction signs will arrive over the weekend, town officials said.
Next week, preliminary work such as erecting signage, tree removal and placement of a temporary water line on Main Street will begin, as will work on moving the village bandstand.
The temporary water line will be put in place to assure that town water quality remains fine as the village's water lines are replaced.
When the temporary line is in place next week, water chlorination will begin, which may result in a foul odor or discoloration in water that poses no health risks, town officials said.
There will be ongoing traffic delays, as well. When school begins Aug. 27, The town is advising middle school parents to take an alternate route such as Route 140 to Route 106 south, to Concord Street and then Memorial Drive to alleviate traffic problems.
dseufert@newstote.com
